The Lockheed U-2 Long Nose is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that can fly up to 70,000 feet. Operating both day and night, the Long Nose had been a prominent aircraft during and after the Cold War. Also called the Dragon Lady, the U-2 aircraft sports a sleek and lightweight airframe that affords the plane glider-like characteristics. However, its lack of power-assisted controls combined with higher air density makes this plane difficult to fly especially at low altitudes. Moreover, the Long Nose is also very sensitive to crosswinds, making the aircraft difficult to land. Despite its drawbacks, the U-2 Dragon Lady was very effective in collecting intelligence data. The aircraft has various sensors in its nose, wing pods, and Q-bay that allow it to collect signals, imagery, and other intelligence data all at once. Previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Long Nose nearly made it to the chopping board in 2013 when it was scheduled to be replaced by unmanned Global Hawk drones. However, delays in production extended the U-2�s service in the military.

This handcrafted model is painted in the same paint scheme as the original and is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen. Perfect as a gift for any aviation enthusiast and history buff!